Who is this choice relevant to?

Buyers looking to offer a wholemeal option

For hotels that want to serve multigrain bread at the buffet and be sure the chosen variety is wholemeal. The product description and ingredients matter more than a dark colour or visible seeds.

Breakfast teams responsible for allergen information

For teams serving unpackaged bread who need to be able to tell guests about any allergens before they eat, such as cereals containing gluten and, where applicable, sesame, milk, soya or nuts.

Buyers planning buffet service

For hotels weighing up whole, half, sliced or bake-off options against the expected number of guests, storage instructions and ordering options from their shop or supplier.

What should you look for when buying?

Start by checking whether the exact variety is wholemeal. Then compare the available nutritional information and decide how guests will be able to access allergen information before the bread is served.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Wholemeal and fibre Check that the exact variety is labelled wholemeal and compare fibre per 100 g, if stated. If I want to offer a wholemeal option on the buffet, I don’t want to rely on the colour or the word ‘multigrain’. For around 36% of consumers, choosing wholemeal comes first.
Allergen information Keep up-to-date allergen information for each bread and decide how guests can access it before eating. When serving unpackaged bread, I want to be able to answer guests’ questions about allergens. Around 29% of consumers say that managing this information is their top priority.
Format and serving Check whether the bread is whole, half, sliced or ready to bake, and read the storage instructions. For changing numbers of breakfast guests, I look for a bread format that works for slicing and replenishing the buffet. This is the most important consideration for around 21% of consumers.
Range and availability Check the exact variety and, if necessary, discuss larger orders with your local branch. If my hotel buys from a regular shop, I want to know which suitable varieties are available to order there. Practical availability matters most to around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes when choosing bread

  • Assuming multigrain or dark bread is wholemeal

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain. That does not mean it is wholemeal; a dark colour or seeds on the crust are no proof either.

    Check that the exact variety is labelled wholemeal, and read the ingredients and nutritional information before presenting it as such on the buffet.

  • Not making allergen information available for unpackaged bread

    The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that hospitality businesses must inform guests about allergens. Information on a wrapper that is no longer at the buffet does not help a guest check it before eating.

    Keep up-to-date information for each bread readily available and make it clear at the buffet how guests can access it.

  • Assuming all bread contains iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt is iodised, but bakers are not required to use it. You therefore cannot tell whether it is present from the type of bread alone.

    Check the ingredients list on packaged bread, or ask which salt is used for unpackaged bread if this matters for your purchasing decision.

Brands and shops to consider

Compare bread by exact variety: a range that includes multigrain bread does not mean every variety is wholemeal.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has separate online categories for wholemeal bread and for multigrain and maize bread.

  • This makes it easier to search for a variety labelled wholemeal.
  • Check the label on the bread you buy; product information can change.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists multigrain breads, including varieties explicitly described as wholemeal.

  • For Jumbo's Schotel Meergranen Volkoren, Jumbo lists 7,6 g of fibre and 0,95 g of salt per 100 g.
  • Do not apply these nutritional values to other Jumbo breads; check each variety individually.

Lidl

Lidl lists a multigrain bread and also sells bake-off bread products in its shops.

  • For larger orders of bread rolls, Lidl recommends asking your local branch about the options.
  • The description of the multigrain bread shown does not confirm that it is wholemeal.

ALDI

ALDI lists Boeren volkoren meergranen as a separate bread variety.

  • The product description makes both the multigrain and wholemeal aspects clear.
  • Check the latest product information and availability at your local branch before placing a larger order.

PLUS

PLUS lists products online including Korenlanders Desem Meergranen Boekweit and a multigrain bread from Soma Haverkorn.

  • The individual product varieties give you options to compare different bread formats.
  • The multigrain category label does not confirm that a listed variety is wholemeal; check the packaging or product information.

Dirk

A search for multigrain bread on Dirk’s website shows a range of varieties, including a multigrain option labelled wholemeal.

  • Product names make it easier to search for specific types of bread.
  • Check the wholemeal status, ingredients and allergen information for your chosen variety individually.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is multigrain bread automatically wholemeal?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three different types of grain, but that does not tell you whether it is made with wholemeal flour. For a hotel buffet, check the labelling and ingredients of the exact variety.

How do you tell guests about allergens in buffet bread?

Make sure guests can access information about the allergens present before eating. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says hospitality businesses must provide this information. For unpackaged bread, you could use a buffet label or clearly tell guests they can ask for details.

Does bread always contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that baker’s salt is iodised, but bakers do not have to use it. Check the ingredients list on packaged bread, and ask about unpackaged bread if this is relevant to your choice.

Which bread format works for changing numbers of breakfast guests?

Compare whole, half, sliced and, if suitable, bake-off varieties with the expected buffet requirements. Read the storage instructions for your chosen product and discuss larger orders with the branch or supplier in advance.